Anjuman-i Taraqqi-i Urdu
Anjuman Taraqqī-yi-Urdū (Urdu: انجُمن ترقئ اُردو) occupies a pride of place as a premier organization working for the promotion and dissemination of Urdu language, literature and culture. The organization owes its origin to the All India Muslim Educational Conference, set up by the great social reformer and educationist Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1886, with the assistance of Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk. The basic objective of the Conference was to encourage Indian Muslims to adopt modern education and for this purpose establish schools and colleges along the lines of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (later Aligarh Muslim University). The Conference had three sections: Women’s Education, Educational Census and Schools. In a further Conference held in 1903, three more branches were added: Social Reform, Shoba-yi-Taraqqī-yi-Urdū and Miscellaneous. It is to the Shoba-yi-Taraqqī-yi-Urdū that the present Anjuman traces its origins. Incidentally, Thomas Walker Arnold was the first elected President of the Shoba-yi-Taraqqī-yi-Urdū and the noted writer Allama Shibli was the first Secretary. It is from such hallowed portents that the present Anjuman was born and continues to draw inspiration. The Anjuman played a role in the creation of Pakistan.[1] Bab-i-Urdu Maulavi Abdul Haq became the Secretary of the organization in 1912, and it was based in [Aurangabad], where he was employed by the Hyderabad State. He worked in that capacity till 1961, and saw the relocation of the Anjuman to Karachi upon the request of Qāʾid-i Aʻz̤am Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He was succeeded by Jamil-al-din 'Ali who handed over the office to Dr. Fatema Hassan in 2014. Dr Fatema Hassan is currently the Hon. Secretary of Anjuman Taraqqī-yi-Urdū Pakistan. The membership of the organisation was re-opened after 50 years on the occasion of the 53rd death anniversary of Maulvi Abdul Haq [1] The organisation publishes journals and books, and supports research and creative work in Urdu linguistics and literature. Prominent poet Josh Malihabadi also worked towards the progress of the organisation.
Current president is Dr Sadiqur Rehman Kidwai and current general secretary is Dr Ather Farouqui
References
- 1 2 "After 50 years, Anjuman opens membership to Urdu aficionados". Dawn. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.